Effective leaders rally their teams behind a shared vision, even when things are shifting. Beloved leaders do the same but with empathy and authenticity. To keep communication on point while growing your leadership capacity, steer clear of these pitfalls.

1. Radio silence

Sparse communication can make you seem out of touch or, worse, hostile. Regular updates across a variety of channels reassure people that you haven't forgotten about them as well as demonstrate your transparency.

2. Message mismatch

It's not what you say; it's how they hear it. You may be excited about an idea, but does your audience feel the same? Take a step back to understand their perspective and adapt your message to each stakeholder's or group's needs.

3. Out of sync

If your body language and tone don't match your words, it screams "untrustworthy." Unsure about your nonverbal cues or voice? Solicit feedback or record yourself to spot inconsistencies.

4. Lacking heart

Leaders can't inspire or comfort people without stirring emotions. How do you want your listeners to feel? Reflect on that, then tweak your language to spark genuine emotion. In turn, feelings will spur action.